After hunting a couple of boars, we finally went back to the village, Hopfern,  to rest a bit. I was able to save up a considerable amount of zecos. I could either buy myself new equipment, or level up. And speaking of equipment, was it possible to make them?

I decided to ask Gon, “Hey Gon, are we able to make some gear with these materials?”

“Yeah, we can, although merchants sell the same products, they are still quite expensive. It is better to have your own weapons and armors made.” He answered as he showed me his shield.

“This leather shield was made with the boar’s hide, I had it made for 500 zecos. If you buy a similar product  from the merchants, the price for it is 1,500 zecos.” He continued.

“I see.” I nodded. Just like in monster hunter, equipment that was already made was being sold at a higher price. But where was the fun in that? I think it is much better to go out and look for materials, I wouldn't mind the thrill and adventure that comes with it.

“So I'm guessing you need a blacksmith to make some gear?”

“Yes that's true. You can find one in the the center of the village.” Gon replied as we arrived at the village.

“Okay so I'll have to log off for a bit, I've still got work to do.” Gon informed as Lala nodded.

“M-me too, I'll have to get off for a while since my friend invited me to a party at her place.” Lala added. Well there's nothing I can do, since we all have lives outside the game.

“Sure guys, I'll get off later after I go gain some levels and visit the blacksmith.” I let them know.

We three said our goodbyes and I just had to pat Lala’s head one more time before she left. We added each other in our friends list. If they ever logged on, the system would notify me.

After that, both of them went off and the system window appeared in my view.

I made my way back to Jeanne in the center of the village. On my way there, I noticed that some merchants were starting to pack up and close their stalls because the sun is setting. There were also less players than earlier. Opening the menu, I immediately checked the time.

<4:14 P.M.>

The time that is being shown to me is the time of the real word. The time in the game is three times faster than the real world. I then remember about my part-time job that starts at 7:00 P.M., but I still have enough time to gain some levels and visit the blacksmith.

I arrived at the village’s center and I saw Jeanne sitting on a bench near the fountain. I walked towards her and she noticed me approaching her and smiled.

“Well good evening to you Aiken. Do you require my assistance in something?” she asked me.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Yes Jeanne, I want to level up.” I answered and as she nodded and stood from her seat. She placed her hands on top my head and closed her eyes.

“I see, ascending to your next level requires 780 zecos.” She notified me. I currently have 2,560 zecos on me at the moment. Maybe I can gain two levels instead of one, if my cash can afford it that is.

I decided to ask her once again, “What about to level three?”.

“If you want to ascend to level three immediately then the price is 1,730 zecos.” She answered.

“Okay, please increase my level Jeanne.”

“As you wish brother Aiken.” She replied as her hands started to glow slightly.

Well that was much quicker than expected.I thought she would chant like she did before to remove his curse. After the windows disappeared, Jeanne removed her hands from the top of my head and placed them behind her back.

“Please continue to fight for us, Aiken.” She gave me a smile as she said that.

That caught me off guard and made me blush a little. This lady is too beautiful for her own good.

“Thank you Jeanne.” I thanked her and she shook her head.

“No need for thanks Aiken.”

We parted ways after that and I added the stat points on my stats.

HP:25/25 -> 45/45

MP:0/0

SP:100/100 -> 103/103

BP:20/20 -> 23/23

STR:8+3

DEX:5

END:4+3

VIT:5+4

LCK:3

MGC:0

That seems about right. Increasing my VIT also increased my HP. And it seems like my SP(stamina points) and BP(block points) did not go up that much. Hopefully I can do more damage now since I gave my STR stat some points.

When I finished adding the points to my stats, I began to scan the area to find the blacksmith. There were different shops in the area. There was an apothecary, the leather worker, the tailor, and more. There was also shops that sold all kinds of dishes and pastries. One shop sold bread, and another one sold different types of meat. The center of the village really was a busy place.

A signboard, in shape of an anvil, caught my attention. This sign only meant two things, either the place sells anvils, or it’s a blacksmith’s workshop. To answer my question, I decided to go and check.

I opened the door and the doorbell started to ring. Slowly walking inside, I looked around. The place was poorly lit, weapons and armors could be seen on their respective shelves. No one was at the counter at the moment, and the place was empty. There was also a door located at the back of the counter.

“Anyone here?” I called out. Minutes later, a large man appeared from the door behind the counter. His hair was white and it was messy, and so was his beard. He was not wearing anything on top while, but he was wearing a dirty tattered shorts.

“What do you want?” The man asked me. His voice was deep, he sounded like a bigger and buffer version of Snape from harry potter, or a scarier version of Hagrid.

“I-I was just wondering if the blacksmith of this workshop i-is in?” I answered weakly.

“I am the blacksmith of this workshop,” he replied and continued “What do you want?”

For some reason, trying to swallow a saliva became difficult.

“H-hello sir blacksmith, my name is Aiken and,” I wiped the sweat on my forehead before i continue, “W-well I have some materials from hunting boars, I was just wondering if you can make an armor out of it?”

“Name’s Hugo, and I can't.” The man replied almost immediately.

“W-why not?”

“Lost hammer. Can't find it.”

“I-I see. Is there anything I can do?” I tried to offer my assistance.

“Yes. Go find it.”

Of course, I accepted the quest. This was the first time that I received a quest and I'm not about to give it up, even though the rewards are not that great but it’s good enough.

“By the way, I think it’s somewhere in the Fallo Forest.” Hugo added.